Liam Lawrence gives up on dithering Celtic

LIAM Lawrence has dramatically turned his back on a potential move to Celtic after growing tired of waiting for the Parkhead club to make their move.

The Stoke winger - out of the Republic of Ireland's friendly against Argentina in Dublin last night with a groin strain - has now pledged his future to the Potteries side.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon first revealed his interest in the 2 million-rated player two months ago and Lawrence publicly stated his desire to move to Parkhead.

As recently as the weekend he claimed the imminent 10m sale of international team-mate Aiden McGeady to Spartak Moscow would clear the way for Celtic to make a bid for him but he now appears to have performed a U-turn.

"The idea of a move to Celtic was really appealing at the end of last season," he said.

"It has gone on for so long now and they have bought a lot of players.

"Clearly, they've had plenty of opportunity to come and get me but for whatever reason it hasn't happened."

Lawrence, 29, added: "Of course it's a big disappointment when a huge club like Celtic comes in for you and it looks like an exciting opportunity - but nothing materialises. Now I'm just focusing on the new season with Stoke."